]]>We interview one of the very first ambassadors to join us; the Olympic bronze medalist, World Champion and rider for UCI professional Woman’s world tour team Boels-Dolmans from Belgium – Jolien D’hoore

How did you start cycling and what was your road to becoming a pro-cyclist?
I’ve started cycling by doing a summer camp for cyclists when I was 12 years old. At that time I wasn’t a cyclist, I was into track and field but I was looking for something new. At the end of the camp we all received a license to race. So without knowing I could now do some bike races. Soon I started my first race; I crashed but I decided to continue. Every time I got better and better and I started to enjoy the feeling of winning. I never thought about making my profession out of it until I was 18 years old and I became World Champion on the road as a junior. My parents supported me 100% but I had to put my studies first. So I started studying physiotherapy at the university in Ghent. I’ve always done the combination school/cycling. A couple of years ago I finally became a professional athlete!

How was it coming from the home of road cycling, Belgium?
Cycling is big in Belgium. It’s great to ride the Belgian races on home soil. Especially when I was wearing my Belgian champion kit. People recognize you and support you.

Do you prefer track or road cycling? And what role has track cycling played in your success on the road?
I can’t choose! I prefer to do both. The track has given me so much bike skills and experience. Also as a sprinter on the road I benefit from the short and explosive work I do on the track. The other way around, road also helps to have a good endurance level to compete in the track races I’m doing (madison).

How do you manage both track and road seasons so well?
I’ve been doing this combination since I was 12 years old! The year after the Olympics in Rio was the first time I skipped the track during the winter and I felt I missed something. Mentally it’s a nice change as well. After a long road season it’s always good to come back to the track.

You medalled in the omnium in Rio 2016, do you prefer old or the new omnium format?
I prefer the old format. Having an omnium over 2 days makes it extra tough. Also an omnium should have some timed events. Now it’s a bit unpredictable. Even if you’re in shape you can still miss out on a good result, with all those bunch races. Coming into Rio, I felt good and I knew I could have a good result because I could ride good times in training. But this omnium makes it more like a lottery.

You’re also the first world champion in the woman’s Madison, how does that feel? And do you think that the Madison will help get more girls on the track?
Belgium has a history in the madison. Our men have so much experience and skills, so it as easy to share all that information with us. As a kid I did lots of madison training. And any free time we’ve got during training these days, we started to do a madison (during cool down, etc.). So when the news came out that the madison would be a new event for the women, we were very excited because we knew we already had the skills. I hope it helps to get more girls on the track. Surely it’s a cool event to watch! It’s the most beautiful discipline in my eyes: you need speed, endurance, technical skills, tactical skills – a bit of everything.

What do you think has been the biggest factor in your success?
My family and my boyfriend. They have been there for me from the start. Even during the bad days they have my back. That’s what you need as an athlete – people who support you onwards and upwards. I’m so grateful to have them.

What do you think makes a champion?
Hardship, discipline, mentally strong and the will to never give up even if people telling otherwise. It’s not only talent that makes a champion, but the eagerness to become stronger and work hard every single day.

What do you think of the state of woman’s cycling? And what would you like to see change or improve?
Women’s cycling is evolving so fast. Every year I think I had a good prep, I’m stronger than last year but everyone gets even stronger again. They ride faster and harder every year. Teams are getting more professional as well. More men’s teams realize they should have a women’s team having the same kit, same bike, etc. The only thing that’s still missing is the media coverage. Our races can be followed via Twitter or Facebook, but no live tv coverage. Once they start showing our races on television, sponsors would come and it would make our sport even bigger.

What do you enjoy most about cycling and being a pro-cyclist?
I just enjoy the whole package. We have a luxury life! We get to choose our own training hours, we have our freedom, the places my bike takes me are incredible, you travel the world, meet new people!

You have recently signed for a new professional team, do you enjoy being a part of a team and what made you choose this team?
Yes, cycling is a team sport. And the results you can get as a team is so rewarding. I’ve signed for 2 years with Boels-Dolmans. They have set the standard for women’s cycling and are always the team to beat. It’s an honour to defend the orange colours the next 2 years. I’m looking forward to ride with them and hopefully contribute to their success.

Where is your favourite place to train? And what is you favourite part of training?
I like riding my bike in Mallorca. But I’ve been 2 times in New-Zealand and I love this country. Good weather, goods roads, and friendly people. The life there is easy going and very relaxed. The feeling you get after you have finished your scheduled training is satisfying and my favourite part of training.

What are your interests outside of cycling?
My interests outside of cycling are sports in general and food. I love to spend time in the kitchen.

What is something we wouldn’t know about you?
I have a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy.
I was the junior World Champion in Cape Town on the road (2008).
I’m an ambassador for the Special Olympics.
I have 1 younger sister who is becoming a police officer.
I have 1 crazy cat (Fonzie).
I speak 4 languages (Flemish, French, German and English).

]]>https://www.blsglobal.net/int/interview-jolien-dhoore/feed/03253Interview: French star, Mathilde GROShttps://www.blsglobal.net/int/interview-french-star-mathilde-gros/
https://www.blsglobal.net/int/interview-french-star-mathilde-gros/#commentsThu, 29 Nov 2018 20:46:33 +0000https://www.blsglobal.net/int/?p=3106We interview young French sensation and Junior world champion, Mathilde GROS, about her career, goals for the future, and life outside of cycling. When and how did you start...

]]>We interview young French sensation and Junior world champion, Mathilde GROS, about her career, goals for the future, and life outside of cycling.

When and how did you start cycling, and especially track sprinting?
I began cycling in September 2014, but I couldn’t really train until March 2015 because I had lots of little crashes when I began, and I was really scared after that to go on the track again. Before I played basketball and I wanted to become a professional basketball player. I was in gym for basketball, and the BMX riders of France were at the same time as me at the centre, so for fun my coach of basketball said that I should go on the WattBike, and I did a sprint and I had really good results!

What do you enjoy most about cycling?
I love share moments with my family. In sprinting I really like the speed, but also the duel against someone, and also the duel against oneself! I like the respect and values of this sport.

You were junior World champion last year, how was that experience?
It was an incredible experience, the better experience as a junior in my life.

You are the new sensation of track cycling and already winning medals in the elite ranks, how are you finding the experience?
It was an experience really rich for learning. I learnt a lot. I met lots of the best riders in cycling. It was a really good for me!

You and many other young sprinters are a part of the French cycling academy for Tokyo 2020 to take on the British, how do you feel about the French chances?
I don’t know the chance of it. I just know that I want to be one of the best riders (like a lots of other riders) and I will give the best I can to take medals at the Olympics games.

You come from the birth place of cycling, France, has that inspired you at all?
Yes I was really inspired by this country. When I started cycling I met lots of famous riders like Florian ROUSSEAU and also Felicia BALLANGER. They gave me lots of tips on lots of things!

You also went to race in the Japanese professional keirin, how was that?
I am so lucky to went to Japan last year. It was so incredible for me. I couldn’t believe that the JKA took me for this year, I was young at just 18 years old! It was the best experience of my life! I met lots of people, and I made lots of friends. I didn’t know so much the elite riders because I was a junior one year ago, so this experience was really great for me to meet riders like Stephanie MORTON, Natasha HANSEN, Laurine VANRIESSEN, Nicky DEGRENDELE and the boys …. It was so cool!!!!!! I loved the experience, it was unbelievable!!

BLS interview with French track cyclist Mathilde Gros.

BLS interview with French track cyclist Mathilde Gros.

Tell us something that we wouldn’t know about you?
I love to share moments of happiness with my loved ones, and I am someone who smiles all the time!

What are your interests outside of cycling?
I like go out shopping with friends or my sister and my mum. I like visit monuments and travel the world. I also continued my school so later I can teach teenagers in high school.

BLS interview with French track cyclist Mathilde Gros.

What is a typical training day for you?
I wake up at 7h50, have breakfast at 8h and after that gym at 9h30 and finish at 11h. After lunch at 12h, a little nap (really important for me, ha ha, only 25 minutes!). Training on the track is from 15h00 to 18h30, and after that dinner at 19h. After that I work my courses of my school because i have big exams twice a year. And to finish my day, I sleep at 22h30!

Are you excited for the Olympics to come to Paris in 2024?
Yes I am very excited for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris! We are so lucky to have the Olympic in our country! Already, not many athletes have the chance to go to the Olympics, but even less to do them in their own country! Just imagine! In front of your family, your friends… I hope it will be so cool!

What are you goals for the future?
In the future I will give the best I can to become the best rider, and become Olympic champion, it’s my dream and my goal!

BLS interview with French track cyclist Mathilde Gros.

BLS interview with French track cyclist Mathilde Gros.

What advice do you have for junior riders looking up to you?
Believe in yourself, and work, work, work… Always remembering why you do this, to stay focused if it’s hard, and to continue.

I want just say thank you to my coach for all, and because he believes in me.
Thank you of my family who support me and come almost everywhere to support me during a big race.
Thank you of the best mechanic also

I want say to Kristina Vogel that she is a beautiful person and really strong girl! Thanks a lot for your beautiful video for me!

Cycling has allowed me to meet with lots of athletes! And I can live a life with beautiful moments!

]]>https://www.blsglobal.net/int/new-bls-luggage-tags-now-available/feed/03070Interview: Keirin World Champion – Nicky Degrendelehttps://www.blsglobal.net/int/interview-keirin-world-champion-nicky-degrendele/
https://www.blsglobal.net/int/interview-keirin-world-champion-nicky-degrendele/#respondWed, 14 Nov 2018 08:00:04 +0000https://www.blsglobal.net/int/?p=3033We interview young star of the keirin, current World Champion Nicky Degrendele from Belgium. As Six Days kicks off in Ghent, Belgium this week – it makes perfect sense! You...

]]>We interview young star of the keirin, current World Champion Nicky Degrendele from Belgium.

As Six Days kicks off in Ghent, Belgium this week – it makes perfect sense!

You are so young, yet already so successful; when and how did you start?
I started on track at the end of 2011. I had done 2 races on the road earlier that year. In my first race girls crashed in front of me and so I crashed as well, breaking my elbow; resulting in me never doing road racing again! Track on the other hand, I did like. In October I started training with some kind of “learning how to ride the track” group and only 3 months later I became u/17 Belgian champion in the sprint -> that was the start of my career. Then I got invited to train with the national junior team and started doing European sprint and keirin races. It all went very fast!

You broke through straight into the elite ranks, what has been your secret to success?
There’s not really a secret to success, I just did my own thing. My first year as an elite was really hard and there was a brief moment I thought of stopping because I wasn’t winning. In December of 2015, the Belgian federation and I made the decision to work towards a bigger and better goal, and they sent me off to the WCC in Switzerland for me to grow as a rider again.

Keirin world champion Nicky Degrendele, by Drew Kaplan

How does it feel to be world champion?
I had a very hard time believing that I was actually the world champion. It is something you work towards but what do you do when you become a world champion? I took me a while but I do know that I want to be on that top step again and I want to wear the jersey longer! For now, I’m enjoying it, and not pressuring myself in to anything yet.

You come from the mecca of cycling and home to some of the greatest cyclist of all time, Belgium, What is track sprinting like there?
Track sprinting is completely the opposite end to road cycling based on popularity. We had a few good sprinters a long time ago, and it may have been a bit more popular then, but sadly the attention hasn’t been as big for track as it is for the road. The current track group, myself included, are doing a great job trying to get more attention to track. For example: Jolien D’hoore’s Olympic bronze medal, and last year’s world title in Madison with Lotte Kopecky, Kenny Deketele and Robbe Ghys with their European Madison title, and me with the Keirin world title all have helped.

Keirin world champion Nicky Degrendele, by Drew Kaplan

Are there any young sprinters coming through the ranks who could join you for the team sprint in 2020?
I think that for the 2020 Olympics it’s best for me to focus just on sprint and Keirin as I am the only woman on track in my country. If there is a potential rider then there is a possibility we can work towards 2024 Paris Olympics.

Your favourite event is the keirin, why do you like it so much?
Keirin requires speed, skill, tactics and guts. I love everything about it. There’s not really a specific reason, I just love it!

Keirin world champion Nicky Degrendele, by Drew Kaplan

You also spent some time racing the Japanese professional keirin, how was that?
Japan was a great experience. Looking back I had a fantastic time. I met a lot of great people, got to know a whole different culture and got to race keirins. The country was amazing and beautiful, a lot different to Belgium. It wasn’t only good as an athlete, but also as a person. Being away from home for that long was a challenge because it’s not just a 10 hour drive with the car to go home if you miss your family, it’s the other side of the planet so you can’t just go back and forth for a little visit. Looking back now I wish I enjoyed it even more with less distraction! If I’d have the opportunity to go back, I definitely would!

Tell us something that we wouldn’t know about you?
I’m very much of a family person, I love to be around people and to get to know new people yet I can also be by myself for a while, and I love to discover new places. I’m currently in Gstaad, Switzerland having a coffee & answering this email! You can definitely find me at the ocean, a pool or a lake in summer. If I could I’d go snowboarding every winter. I’m an animal lover, that awkward person that will always pet the dogs first before introducing myself to someone. When I’m struggling with something I prefer to go walking by the ocean with the dogs or I call my mum, my sister or my bestfriends.

Where do you get your motivation from:
My motivation comes from what I have achieved in the past few years of racing. To me it means there is so much more for me to accomplish and that I want to do it. I love racing, I love the focus of it and the feeling it gives me. That moment on the start line of “now is the moment to bring what you have been training for!”

What is a typical training day for you?
It may vary to what training is on schedule that day. I usually have my first alarm at about 7am to eventually get out of bed at 7:30am or 7:45am, I’m a snoozer & I can’t help it! I have breakfast in my room or at the WCC at 8am. Gym training starts at 9:30am to 11am or 11:30am, and lunch at 12. Then there’s time for a little sit down after lunch, mainly movie time or catch up with family. Roller warm up and track session starts from 2pm to 5pm, dinner at 6pm and then I’m off after that.

Keirin world champion Nicky Degrendele, by Drew Kaplan

What are your goals for the future?
It’s obvious that I want to be ready by worlds to defend my rainbow stripes “stripey” jersey. That’s the main goal for this season! Then it’s to Tokyo 2020.

What are your plans leading up to your defence of your title next year, and towards Tokyo 2020?
The next 4 World cups are on my program. Basically it will be training, training and training!!

Do you have any advice for other sprinters out there?
I would say to enjoy it! If it makes you happy and you enjoy it, keep doing it as long as you’re able to.

]]>https://www.blsglobal.net/int/interview-keirin-world-champion-nicky-degrendele/feed/03033WIN BIG with BLS!!https://www.blsglobal.net/int/win-big-with-bls/
https://www.blsglobal.net/int/win-big-with-bls/#respondWed, 07 Nov 2018 07:56:01 +0000https://www.blsglobal.net/int/?p=3006This November, we are running 2 competitions that are BIGGER than EVER! Win a cycling specific race day bag, that will change the way your prepare forever. International competition: Win...

]]>This November, we are running 2 competitions that are BIGGER than EVER!

Win a cycling specific race day bag, that will change the way your prepare forever.

International competition:

#BLScompetition

Win a TIWIA Leather VeloRacing Bag valued at US$750 delivered to your door! This is a premium leather cycling specific race day bag with individual compartments for all your kit, handcrafted in Cape Town using locally and ethically sourced leather. This may be the best cycling bag ever made!

Enter now, and GOOD LUCK!!

]]>https://www.blsglobal.net/int/win-big-with-bls/feed/03006WIN in November – with BLS and TCAhttps://www.blsglobal.net/int/win-in-november-with-bls-and-tca/
https://www.blsglobal.net/int/win-in-november-with-bls-and-tca/#respondThu, 01 Nov 2018 07:24:43 +0000https://www.blsglobal.net/int/?p=2934We’ve once again joined forces with our friends at the Track Cycling Academy, and this November, you could stand a chance to win a BLS Personalized Velodrome Bag and access...

We’ve once again joined forces with our friends at the Track Cycling Academy, and this November, you could stand a chance to win a BLS Personalized Velodrome Bag and access to the TCA inner circle program – all valued at over US$500!!

To enter, simply click on the link below to complete a quick survey.

Share it on Facebook and Instagram to increase your chances!!

The winner will be announced on the 1st of December, and the prize delivered shortly after.

]]>https://www.blsglobal.net/int/win-in-november-with-bls-and-tca/feed/02934Interview: The “Greatest Showman” of track cycling – Nate Kochhttps://www.blsglobal.net/int/interview-the-greatest-showman-of-track-cycling-nate-koch/
https://www.blsglobal.net/int/interview-the-greatest-showman-of-track-cycling-nate-koch/#respondSun, 21 Oct 2018 18:11:07 +0000https://www.blsglobal.net/int/?p=2821Known as the “showman” of track cycling, a Six Day legend, social media phenomenon, and all round great guy; we caught up with Nate Koch – TEAM NATER following his...

]]>Known as the “showman” of track cycling, a Six Day legend, social media phenomenon, and all round great guy; we caught up with Nate Koch – TEAM NATER following his retirement from track cycling, and new venture into the media of Six Days.

Six Days is an historic series of track cycling events taking place across Europe which run for 6 nights straight, focusing on the madison and sprint events. It’s a party atmosphere with insane racing, and a bucket list item for rider and fan alike!

You started cycling relatively late compared to most, how did you get into it?
Yes, I started cycling late compared to most. I was 24 in 2010 when I started. After too many injuries in track and field I got a hold of my friend Travis Smith who was on the Canadian national team and asked him if he could get me started. The rest is history!

Your progression to the top was also relatively quick, what made you know you were good and ready to take it on full time?
I had just come off a track and field career as a division 1 decathlete. I did some knee rehab on the bike and knew that I enjoyed it and decided to give it a go. Fortunately for me I live 15 minutes from the velodrome (Velo Sports Centre) and the US national team was training there at the time. It was a pretty seamless transition.

You’ve also had some set-backs on your journey, how did you overcome these?
Set backs are just a part of being an athlete, alongside injuries, funding, political opinions and much more. Being an athlete is a choice, so regardless of the setback you just have to think of how much you want it.

BLS interview six day track cyclist Nate Koch

What did you do before taking on cycling?
I ran track and field or athletics for 15 years. I was a division 1 decathlete with a full ride scholarship to Cal State, Long Beach. I ended up getting my degree in psychology. Growing up I Played other sports like soccer and baseball, and was always on a bike to get around.

How did you get into Six Days?
I got lucky! To put it simple, I messaged Max Levy on Facebook asking him if there were any spots available. He actually got back saying that all the positions were full. A few months later approximately two weeks before the start of Six Day Berlin Max messaged me back saying that Robert (Forstemann) had injured his back and that they were looking for one more rider. I booked my plane ticket and haven’t looked back since!

What do you enjoy most about Six Days?
The crowd and atmosphere are incredible! I knew from night one at Six Day Berlin 2015 I had found the type of cycling that fits me best.

BLS interview six day track cyclist Nate Koch

How does it feel to be the “showman” and “entertainer” of track cycling?
I’ll take whatever titles the people would like to give me! I think it’s great that I am just being myself and enjoying what I am doing, and that the fans are enjoying the show that I get to put on. And yes, it feels incredible that I would be dubbed The Showman!

You’ve really changed the game of Six Days, and become somewhat of a revolutionary on the circuit, what do you think enabled you to do that?
I think the fact that I started so late and didn’t really have any knowledge or understanding of the “correct way” to do things, I did it my own way. Fortunately for me I came around at a time where lots of changes were starting to be made and my way of doing things fit in to that nicely.

How do you keep the energy so high all the time?
I am on when I need to be on, and I turn it off when it is time to be off. It’s definitely a high-energy week, but the more energy the fans and event put out the more energy I get!

BLS interview six day track cyclist Nate Koch

You’re not only a Six Day rider, what other success have you had on the bike?
I was man one in the team sprint for team USA. I currently hold the USA national record with Kevin Mansker and Matt Baronouski in the team Sprint. I also placed 2nd in the Keirin at the US national championships in 2016.

You’ve got some slack from certain groups of cyclists about the credibility of the level of racing at the Six Days, what would your response be to them?
I can’t please everyone and I’m certainly not going to try! I focus on the people that enjoy the type of person and racer that I am and how I fit into a Six Day event. Six Day racing is unlike any other. There are no extra titles or money to be won, but the objective is to put on a great show and entertain the fans. The racing is full gas and obviously world class, but I rather put on a show and get last place then be boring and win.

What do you feel is missing from track cycling, and especially sprinting, in the USA that’s preventing the riders from breaking through at the international competitions?
To put it very simply, I would say athlete support and accountability. There has been times when athletes have gotten great support, but due to lack of accountability and structure the results never came. Things are changing in the right direction especially with the 2028 Olympics in LA. There’s obviously plenty of athletic talent in USA, we just need to find out how to get them on the bike.

BLS interview six day track cyclist Nate Koch

What do you feel is missing, or needs to be changed in track cycling?
I think the direction that Six Day Cycling is heading in is perfect! It brings world class high end racing into an exciting event where fun and entertainment is the goal. There’s definitely a place for serious and focused racing, but sometimes having a good time is most important to grow the sport.

You’re one of the most popular track cyclists on social media, how do you do it?
It’s pretty simple I guess, I just have fun and be myself. Focusing on those who support me and the fans of the sport is always my main objective.

Do you feel other cyclists or even sportsman could better market themselves?
Of course, but it is definitely a tough balance. It doesn’t come natural for many either. I tried to market myself as best as I could out of necessity. I couldn’t afford all the nice things and to travel around the world, so if I included others it was not only good for them but lucrative for me as well.

BLS interview six day track cyclist Nate Koch

Other than cycling, what else are you interested in?
Five years ago I began my bike fit business, Long Beach Bike Fit. I have about 300 appointments a year now and definitely stay busy with it. I’ve definitely found a passion in woodworking and building things around my house. It’s a great way to be in the moment and exercise some creativity. And most importantly is my family! My amazing wife Ayla and my beautiful new daughter Lucy are so much fun and bring me huge amounts of joy. I am excited to see what adventures we get into as a family.

What’s next for Nate Koch? What are your plans and goals for the future?
Six Day London 2018 is my debut as the Six Day Cycling Social Ambassador. I’m excited to embrace the new role as a retired cyclist, and put 100% of my effort and energy into the fans, sponsors and events to make Six Day Cycling a household name worldwide.

I would also love to entertain the idea of commentating at all sorts of track cycling events. Commentating at the 2028 Olympics in LA would be a dream!

BLS interview six day track cyclist Nate Koch

Conclusion: an inspiration to the young riders getting into the sport, and someone helping to grow track cycling worldwide; love him or hate him – he’s here to stay!

Be sure to tune into Six Day action starting tomorrow in London, and follow TEAM NATER for the latest action and behind the scenes footage!

]]>https://www.blsglobal.net/int/interview-the-greatest-showman-of-track-cycling-nate-koch/feed/02821Interview: 2nd fastest man ever over 200m – Nicholas Paulhttps://www.blsglobal.net/int/interview-2nd-fastest-man-over-200m-nicholas-paul/
https://www.blsglobal.net/int/interview-2nd-fastest-man-over-200m-nicholas-paul/#commentsTue, 16 Oct 2018 08:51:19 +0000https://www.blsglobal.net/int/?p=2804As the World Cup season approaches, we interview the man who recently rode the 2nd fastest 200m time in history (9.378 seconds at the Pan-American Games in Aguascalientes, Mexico), and a...

]]>As the World Cup season approaches, we interview the man who recently rode the 2nd fastest 200m time in history (9.378 seconds at the Pan-American Games in Aguascalientes, Mexico), and a rising star from Trinindad and Tabago on his way to Tokyo 2020 glory.

Let’s get straight to it, how does it feel to have ridden the 2nd fastest 200m time in history?
It feels really great to have accomplished this. This really motivates me to continue working harder and I am always glad to bring positive attention to Trinidad and Tobago.

Did you expect to go so fast? And what are your thoughts of the track in Mexico?
I never really know beforehand how fast I will go, I just train to the best of my ability and execute on race day. The track in Mexico is an extremely fast track – it’s mind blowing how fast a cyclist can move at that altitude!

Do you have any stats on the ride?
I don’t have any power data, but the average speed was 76.775km/h

Nicholas Paul Interview: the 2nd fastest man ever over 200m

So taking it back, how and when did you start track cycling?
I started cycling as a rehabilitating process for a football injury – this was in 2013.

You broke through the ranks very quickly, what has been your secret to success?
My secret to success is trust first in GOD, self-discipline, consistency, dedication and family support.

The recently opened brand new velodrome in T&T is surely a great boost to track cycling in the region, where do you see it going from here?
The velodrome is really a world class asset to Trinidad and Tobago and the region. Its contribution can be phenomenal for cycling. However, its full potential can only be realized by proper management.

T&T has also just appointed a new coach, how are you finding that?
My experience with the new coach (Erin Hartwell) has been great thus far – I am learning a lot and this has aided my development as a cyclist.

Nicholas Paul Interview: the 2nd fastest man ever over 200m

You train with experienced riders like Njisane Philip, what have you learnt from him?
It is great for cycling in Trinidad and Tobago to have a strong team of Elite Sprinters. As a young cyclist, I value every learning opportunity.

Tell us something that we wouldn’t know about you?
I wanted to be a professional football player!

What are your interests outside of cycling?
Spending time with family, watching football and sleeping.

Nicholas Paul Interview: the 2nd fastest man ever over 200m

What is a typical training day for you?
A typical training day starts with a gym session in the morning and ends with a track session in the afternoon.

What are your goals for the future?
My primary goal is to win a medal for Trinidad and Tobago at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games!

He’s a former world champion, Olympic medalist and rider on the Japanese professional keirin circuit. From Australia to Russia, and now to Tokyo – we hear it all from the man himself.

How did you get into cycling, and specifically track cycling? Did you have a go at any other sports growing up?
I grew up around cycling with my father being a custom frame builder and coach. We were always at track events which I enjoyed watching and we always had riders coming around to our house to see my dad. I played basketball at a descent level for a while, cricket and AFL footy as well, but turned to track cycling when I was around 12-13.

You were Junior World champion, how do you think that laid the foundation for your future career?
Getting to represent Australia at the Junior World Championships was a great experience and very fun period in my career. Although I had some success as a junior at the world champs, it’s still a very big step to go from juniors into seniors and I think sometimes that can provide a very difficult challenge for riders going from being junior world champion into the elite ranks, but they just need to be patient and hopefully the results will come.

You’re quite the family man and come from a rich cycling heritage from your father and in-laws, how do you think that has helped your career? And would you like to see your kids follow in your footsteps?
I have been very lucky to have someone like my father supporting me in the sport and having had access to all his experiences from his career. I have done him and my family very proud over the years! Also having a brother-in-law that has had so much success in the sport is great and Ryan (Ryan Bayley is a former Olympic champion himself) has/is to this day been a big supporter of mine, and we often speak about racing. It’s pretty cool to have his support and also that our kids hang out together. My father is doing well after his battle in Germany, he is a very lucky man, and he and our whole family are very grateful for all the support that was shown to us to support his condition.

Interview with track cyclist and BLS ambassador Shane Perkins

You’ve had numerous stints racing the Japan professional keirin circuit. Could you tell us more about that and if you’d like to go back some day and race again?
Japan is and always will be a fantastic part of my life, I am very grateful to JKA for having me in Japanese keirin for 8 seasons. I have certainly grown as a person form having that experience overseas. In 2018 I wanted to have a slower year in terms of travel and spend more time with my family, but I am certainly hopeful that I can go back again to the Japanese keirin in 2019/2020!

What would you say have been your biggest achievements, and how would you rate them in order?
It’s honestly hard to put them in order. The pinnacle of our sport is the Olympics and I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to come away with a bronze medal from London 2012! Being world champion is a great honour!

What have been some of the lows you’ve had to overcome en-route to success?
Look, I have had some tough times but so has everyone in life! Upon those tough times I have been lucky to have great people around me and the fortitude to continue doing what I love! When we realise that the challenges don’t stop we find a new level, and it’s important to realise we have the choice daily to give us the best opportunity to achieve our goals!

What would you say is your biggest strength, or characteristic that has helped you be so successful?
Perseverance!

Do you ever make use of sport psychology, and if so, what techniques or approaches?
Yes I certainly make use of sports psychology, it has become more natural for me now, but early on in my career I did have trouble focusing. Writing down your goals makes them real, then laying down how you are going to achieve them gives what you are doing daily purpose. Certainly in the lead up a race I clear my head, give my focus to what I am doing and working through the things I can control, and letting go of the negatives that pop up! Focus on the process, and let the results follow!

Interview with track cyclist and BLS ambassador Shane Perkins.

You’ve gone against the grain with your recent move to race for Russia, could you tell us what made you make that bold decision and how it’s unfolding for you?
Actually, I was going to retire at the end of 2016 as I didn’t see a way to continue racing my bike without the necessary support. Having been friends with Denis (Denis Dmitriev is a member of the Russian national team) for some time through Japan keirin racing together, he knew some of the challenges I had faced in the lead up to Rio, and tongue in cheek said a few times you should ride for Russia as they need a keirin and team sprint rider.

At the end of 2016 after Rio Olympics, Denis and I got chatting over a couple beers and I mentioned that i am interested to continue riding if we could do it towards Tokyo. So we started the process and thanks to Denis I am now a Russian citizen and getting the necessary support to continue racing my bike!

It wasn’t an easy decision having raced for Australia for so many years, but an opportunity to continue to Tokyo was something I just couldn’t pass up, after all I wasn’t being supported by Australia. It’s important to know this decision wasn’t in anger with the Australian team as they knew of my communication with Russia and were more than happy for me to continue along that path. I am extremely grateful for the support I have received over the years from the Australian team and we had some great success. Life goes on and different opportunities present themselves! Racing for Russia certainly has its own set of challenges and it isn’t easy!

Interview with track cyclist and BLS ambassador Shane Perkins.

You’re still living and occasionally racing in Australia, how does that feel when racing under the Russian flag?
Honestly it feels natural to me; Russia has welcomed me with open arms and so has the team! They realise it isn’t just me, and I have my wife and two kids in my life also. So they understand greatly that they need stability, and we get that currently in Brisbane, Australia. It’s challenging with training as I don’t have all the access required to the velodrome, but we are working on that!

What would you say has been the biggest change or evolution in track cycling since you started racing up until now?
Gearing!!!

What would you, as a seasoned professional, like to see change in track cycling? And where do you see the sport going?
It would be great to allow a bit more contact and movement back in the sprint and keirin events to boost the visual for the fans!

What are your goals for future, and life after professional cycling?
When that time comes we will face it, I do have a passion for helping others though, so coaching may be something I could naturally fall into!

]]>https://www.blsglobal.net/int/interview-shane-perkins/feed/02736The VeloRacing BACKPACK is here!https://www.blsglobal.net/int/the-veloracing-backpack-is-here/
https://www.blsglobal.net/int/the-veloracing-backpack-is-here/#respondThu, 06 Sep 2018 12:16:38 +0000https://www.blsglobal.net/int/?p=2598The VeloRacing Backpack is here. Based on the original and bestselling VeloRacing bag, featuring the same functionality of organization, preparation and ultimate performance on race day. The compact and convenient...

The compact and convenient 20l backpack is perfect for a lifestyle of travel; whether that be commuting to work, gym, your local race, or even international competitions. Featuring dedicated ventilated compartments for your kit, helmet and shoes; all encased in a layer of foam to protect your valuable kit.

Handmade in Cape Town, South Africa using the highest quality rip-stop water resistant materials and YKK zips.